The Banished Brother

Mengi's voice was steady as he continued unraveling the long-lost truths of Atlantis' history. His expression was a mix of reverence and sorrow as he explained the age-old traditions of their people.

"It was the seventh day," Mengi began, "a sacred tradition in Atlantis. Whenever the queen was close to giving birth, the King and Queen would renew their vows in a grand remarriage ceremony. It was not just a symbolic gesture but a reaffirmation of their bond before the arrival of the next royal heir. The entirety of Atlantis would celebrate, and guests from all corners of the world would gather to bless the family and the kingdom."

Jin leaned forward, intrigued. Mengi continued, his tone softening as he described the scene.

"God worshippers, vampires, werewolves, and royals from every lineage you can imagine came to Atlantis. The Dobutsuji family from the Animal Kingdom graced the occasion with their elegance and power. The God's Hunter Family, known for their mastery over divine abilities, came bearing rare gifts. Even Seiji's family," Mengi added with a nod in Seiji's direction, "attended, their reputation as protectors of balance unmatched."

Seiji smirked slightly, folding his arms but saying nothing.

Mengi's voice deepened. "Then there was the Sanguinarian Family, the vampire lineage intertwined with ours through generations of marriages. And, of course, our own Mayan family—the true royals of Atlantis, the heart of the city's strength and unity."

Jin's eyes widened as Mengi paused, letting the gravity of his words settle in. "And all of this," Mengi said, "all of these blessings, were for you, Jin. The ceremony wasn't just for Mother and Father. It was for the unborn prince—the one who would one day inherit the mantle of Atlantis."

Jin's breath hitched, and his mind raced as Mengi described the grand hall of Atlantis during the ceremony. The hall was a marvel, its golden columns reflecting the light of enchanted crystals suspended in mid-air. Thousands of guests filled the vast chamber, their murmurs of excitement mingling with the melodies of celestial musicians. The air was thick with power, as deities, warriors, and rulers shared the same space. Gifts piled high near the throne—a testament to the world's reverence for King Festus and his unborn child.

Then Mengi's tone darkened. "Even the Seven Council members were present. Jiangshi—our uncle—and the six others bowed low before Father in a public display of submission."

Mengi's jaw tightened, and his fists clenched. "Father, in his mercy, told Jiangshi not to bow. He stood from his throne, descended the steps, and stretched out his hand to lift his elder brother's head. 'There is no need for this between brothers,' Father had said. 'Come, sit with me as equals.'"

For a moment, Jin could picture the scene—his father's regal figure radiating strength and compassion, his outstretched hand a symbol of peace. But the image was shattered by Mengi's next words.

"Jiangshi struck him," Mengi said bitterly. "A blade materialized in his hand, and he aimed to kill Festus then and there."

The room went silent except for the faint sound of the wind outside. Mengi's voice trembled slightly with the weight of the memory.

"But Festus…he was no ordinary king. The blessings of our grandfather, Daemon the Conqueror, had made him untouchable. Daemon had passed on every secret art and ability to Festus, including the Source itself—the demon you now carry, Jin. Father was the third host of that power, and it made him invincible."

Mengi sighed, his gaze distant. "Father resisted Jiangshi's attack effortlessly. Even as Jiangshi's council members—Greyjoy, Nereus, Lei Gong, Cregan, and the rest—rushed to aid him, Festus stood his ground, fending them off single-handedly. Yet, instead of killing his treacherous brother and his allies, Father made a grave mistake."

"What mistake?" Jin asked, his voice barely a whisper.

"He showed mercy," Mengi spat. "Festus banished Jiangshi instead of ending him. He believed that family, no matter how flawed, deserved forgiveness. As for the other council members, he ordered them imprisoned deep beneath Atlantis, guarded by the most powerful soldiers of our city."

Mengi's fists unclenched as he shook his head, his voice heavy with regret. "It was the beginning of the end, Jin. That single act of mercy sealed the fate of Atlantis. Father's kindness was a strength, but it was also his greatest weakness."